Water use scheduled to be cut by 10% in July

RENO, Nev. (MyNews4.com & KRNV) -- For the first time in 20 years, the Truckee Meadows Water Authority plans to dip into its water reserves. It is expected to happen at the end of July, and when it does, residents will be asked to reduce their water use by 10-percent.

TMWA Customer Service Manager Andy Gebhardt explained that both Lake Tahoe and Boca Reservoir keep the Truckee River flowing at mandated levels. When Tahoe and Boca drop below their rims, the Truckee River water flows will dramatically change. "As soon as that river drops and it will happen overnight, then we will have to dip into our 'savings account,' or our water reserves."

Gebhardt said the best way to reduce your use is by focusing on outdoor watering. "The average water customer's water use is approximately four times higher in the summer, so keeping our focus on outdoor use is where we get the biggest impact in water savings."

The no-watering times will be expanded to 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., which is the hottest, windiest time of the day.

Gebhardt also had another suggestions. "We're not asking you to do anything crazy to get to a 10-percent savings. Something like re-setting your sprinkler system will work. If if runs on a 10-minute cycle, just set to nine minutes and you just did your 10-percent savings."